At Cunard, every day is an opportunity for the onboard team to create unforgettable moments for their guests. The dedication and hard work of its staff are at the heart of Cunard's success, and when their efforts are recognized by Carnival Corporation and plc, it is a significant testament to their skill and commitment.

Ailyn Miranda’s exceptional leadership has recently been recognized with Carnival Corporation’s prestigious Global Gaming Team Leader of the Quarter award. Ailyn, who joined Cunard in 2008 as a Cashier Trainee, has since risen through the ranks and, since 2013, has been serving as the Casino Cage Manager. Her journey has been marked by dedication, hard work, and a commitment to her team. The award is a reflection of her ability to lead with integrity and inspire excellence among her colleagues.

Queen Anne Captain Inger Thorhauge and Hotel General Manager David Shepherd attended the ceremony, where Captain Thorhauge had the honor of presenting Ailyn with the award.

In an interview with Cunard, Ailyn shared her thoughts on receiving the award and her journey to leadership.
 

On Winning the Global Gaming Team Leader of the Quarter Award: “It’s very overwhelming for me. I know I’m not perfect and I still have so much to learn, but my colleagues went over the top in showing their appreciation of my hard work through nominating me for the award. I am very grateful. To be chosen is such an honor and great achievement. I am also very happy to get to share this with the team.”

What Makes a Good Leader? Ailyn believes that clear communication is key to successful leadership. "I always try my best to establish good communication with my team. Encouraging them to always do the right thing, even though no one is watching, is really important in building a strong work ethic. It’s about involving them in decision-making and helping them understand the reasoning behind our decisions. When they understand why things happen the way they do, it becomes easier to accept outcomes and come up with ideas to make things better. Recognizing their achievements and appreciating their help makes a huge difference," she explained.
Ailyn credits her integrity and honesty for making her a strong leader. She believes leading by example is crucial. “The right attitude is the key to achieving our goals. We might not have all the skills right away, but with the right attitude, we can easily learn, grow, and move in the right direction,” she says.

Key Responsibilities: As Casino Cage Manager, Ailyn oversees the Main Bank and the accounting side of the casino operation. Her responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with security and accounting procedures, providing training for staff in accounting positions, contributing to the growth of the casino, and assisting the management team in running the operation smoothly.

A Journey to the Seas: Before joining Cunard, Ailyn worked in a bank for four years. Her decision to pursue a career at sea came after a personal tragedy. Following the death of her mother, Ailyn became the breadwinner of her family. “I decided to work at sea to support my brother and sister in finishing college,” she shared. Over the years, Ailyn’s work on the ship has not only helped her provide for her family but also led her to meet her life partner, who works in the casino department.

How She Spends Her Vacation: When Ailyn is not working, she cherishes her time with family, especially her nieces and nephew. “I hope one day I will be able to show them around the ship. I want to show them how cool my workplace is!” she says.

Advice for Those Considering a Career at Sea: Ailyn offers valuable advice for anyone looking to build a career at sea: “See opportunity in every difficulty. No matter how much preparation and planning we do, sometimes things won’t go our way. But the learning process is what helps us become better versions of ourselves. Always aim to excel in your position, go above and beyond, and make an impression that makes others want to work with you.”

Her mentor’s words resonate with her: “Be the best that you can be and excel in that position. Make people talk about you because of your performance.”